PROSPECTUS 2024

Welcome from the headteacher It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to through engagement in clubs, trips, competitions Hillview School for Girls: a highly successful and fundraising for local, national and international non-selective girls’ school with a thriving mixed Sixth charities. Our high-flying visual and performing arts Form in the heart of Tonbridge. At Hillview we believe specialisms achieve exceptional standards across in the Pure Potential of every child to be the very best the full breadth of the arts. With direct links into that they can be. industry and higher education, our students are As an educational provider, we offer quality teaching, able to access unique experiences and secure their a focused learning environment and strong pastoral future progression within these challenging fields. support that enables every child to be successful in Hillview School for Girls is recognised as one of the their studies and in their lives. Our role is not just to top performing non-selective schools in Kent and is ensure that our students achieve good grades, but to the highest achieving non-selective girls’ school in focus on the well-being of the child, ensuring that our Kent. Students learn within a focused, engaging students are able to move onto their desired career environment, which combines the right mix of pathways. knowledge, skills and techniques, enabling our We believe passionately about the care that we offer students to flourish as independent learners. our students and are widely recognised for this We do place high expectations on our students in support, with our PDL (personal development their learning and attitudes to work and each learning) lessons offering a unique and specialist other. Our behaviour system actively supports the programme of study, in preparation for growing up students to develop the key skills that employers and moving out into the world beyond education. desire and enable them to achieve highly A Hillview student is confident, aspirational, within their exam courses. Each child’s needs are resilient and determined. addressed through the personalised approach our Our dedicated, passionate staffing body supports school takes to support the individual, resulting in each individual’s personal development, from their happy, successful students. first steps through the school gates, to when they I look forward to welcoming leave at the end of their Sixth Form studies. you to our vibrant, exciting Students develop life-long skills throughout their school and developing our time at Hillview, whether this be through the future working partnership specialised mentor system, within their education to support your child in or through the extensive opportunities available to the next stage of every child. All students benefit from the confidence, their education. creativity and resilience that the creative arts instil and use these essential transferable skills to secure Hilary Burkett success across their studies and within their Headteacher interests. A school experience is more than just the classroom and learning, therefore we encourage our students to take an active part in the wider school life, 1

“Hillview offers the complete package; excellent academic and teaching facilities combined with brilliant pastoral care.” J Harman, Parent 2

Inspiration As one of the top-performing non-selective schools in Kent, we have high expectations of all our students. Progress and attainment are consistently high and we have a long-standing track record of success Our dedicated, passionate teachers inspire students through creative, fun and well-crafted lessons that contain the right levels of challenge and support. This ensures that students can develop a rich portfolio of skills, knowledge and confidence to help them achieve their personal best. We believe in the Pure Potential of every child and actively develop the skills of the individuals to unlock their potential for the future. Our studentsʼ futures are limitless and we encourage them to reach for the stars. We support the development of independent young women who are curious about the world around them, confident to take risks and push boundaries in a way that will equip them for the challenges of the modern world within and beyond education. “This is a caring, supportive school. Students enjoy coming to school. The respectful and harmonious ethos permeates the school community.” OFSTED 2013 3

The Pure Potential belief is at the heart of Hillview and is the basis of everything that we do. This belief recognises the individuality of every child and the development required to enable students to unlock their pure potential, to drive their future and thrive in society. We, as a school, seek to: support each person in recognising and harnessing their strengths, interests and passions; provide each child with the opportunities to develop, explore and build their independence and self-belief; ensure that they are able to succeed and step out from education into their fu- ture with confidence and the greatest chance of success and achievement. Pure Potential starts with the curriculum, but extends into the pastoral care, curriculum support, extra-curricular enrichment and throughout the Hillview community. It also supports each individual to recognise their place in society and how, by working with others and helping others, they can become a better person and grow. Students embrace their pure potential by taking ownership for their learning, embracing the opportunities available to them, engaging positively with Hillview, their education and others, being the best version of themselves that they can be. Hillview has believed in my Pure Potential even when I couldn’t 4 see it myself. Hillview brings out a depth of character that I didn’t know I had. Tara Witchell - Pearman, (Head Student 2023-24)

Independence Developing happy and confident students 5

We understand that the transition to secondary school can seem daunting, so we have a structured transition programme and work closely with our local primary schools and parents to ensure that students who join us in Year 7 feel at home and settle into the school quickly. Achievements are recognised and praised regularly and we have a strong rewards culture, which enhances learning and performance throughout the school. Behaviour is excellent and we have very high expectations with regard to discipline and respect for others. Personal Development Learning (PDL) lessons are an important part of the curriculum and help build decision-making skills, self-assurance and self-discipline. Taught by specialist teachers, these lessons include personal, social, health and economic studies. We are proud of our pastoral support and student welfare provision at Hillview. Studentsʼ mentors are usually the first point of contact, but our wider pasto- ral team and highly experienced teachers, dedicated SENDCO and support staff are all on hand to ensure that they are supported, both academically and psy- chologically. Leadership and Responsibility Students are actively involved in helping to shape the school. Through the Student Council, students are able to represent their peers on the key issues that affect them, whilst others might apply to become school ambassadors or subject ambassadors. In the Sixth Form, we also offer the opportunity for students to stand for Head Boy and Head Girl, to become a Prefect or a member of the Student Leadership Team. “I have been very impressed with the time and attention given to the transition process, which has been extremely helpful in enabling my daughter to settle quickly.” Year 7 Parent “There’s a good balance of care for students, discipline and an ethos of nurtured academia.” Year 7 Parent 6

Independence “We can reach a certain goal if we can push ourselves and try hard enough to get to that point, everyone has potential they just need to realise it.” – Holly Davies, Year 9 Our diverse curriculum allows Personalised support and guidance students of all abilities to develop is given when students are choosing their competencies in accordance from the broad range of GCSE options with their interests and emerging we offer. We value the breadth that the ambitions. EBACC offers. However, we also value As well as studying the core subjects the studentʼs right to study courses that of English, Mathematics and Science, are appropriate for them, their skills students joining Hillview at KS3 will and their career aspirations. learn French, Spanish, as well as We, therefore, offer our students History, Geography, Computing, R.E, one of the broadest choices of GCSE P.E., Dance, Drama, Music, Art, Textiles, options seen in schools locally. With a Personal Development Learning and detailed knowledge of our students, our Food Technology. teachers monitor attainment regularly Careers provision is also integrated and provide individual feedback and into the curriculum and students are guidance to ensure that no one is left given the opportunities to explore behind. varying careers and access unique opportunities to engage with and learn from different speakers and specialists from across the breadth of the working world. Students receive one-to-one advice from our specialist Careers Advisor. We appreciate that every student is unique, so we allow our students to personalise their curriculum in Year 9 through our accelerated curriculum, which supports breadth but encourages personalisation, preparing students for choosing their GCSE options. 7

Diverse and stimulating curriculum We ensure that all students receive the The long-established Amnesty Hillview have continued to right level of support and challenge for International Society at Hillview is a cross collaborate with five partner schools their needs. Our aim is to create curious key-stage group where students from across Europe through the EU Erasmus+ and active learners who will go on to across the school campaign to uphold the programme, which focuses on small become well-rounded citizens, able to United Nations Human Rights Declaration group student exchanges and flourish in todayʼs increasingly of 1948 by writing letters, creating pedagogical research and are now part knowledge-based, interconnected world. assemblies and running charity events. of the new Turing Scheme, working with We achieve this through our approaches The group is regularly invited to Amnesty students internationally to promote to teaching, learning and behaviour, but International’s head office and The Houses cultural awareness, broaden aspirational also through extra-curricular activities of Parliament to meet with key figures horizons and develop learning skills. and trips, our attitude to pastoral care, including the British United Nations student leadership and our whole-school Ambassador. Hillview have continued to collaborate ethos Other clubs range from Langauges with five partner schools across Europe Languages to Fashion, to Film, Duke through the EU Erasmus+ programme, Extra-curricular of Edinburgh, Art and Philosophy and, which focuses on small group student With over 80 extra-curricular clubs, there of course, these are complemented by exchanges and pedagogical research and is something to spark every interest. Our a range of trips and visits each term; are now part of the new Turing Scheme, cheerleading team is particularly including recent trips to New York, Athens working with students internationally to popular and recently won in all categories and Venice. A range of outside speakers promote cultural awareness, broaden in the School National Championships. We and workshops are organised each term aspirational horizons and develop also have a wide range of sports too. learning skills. clubs – from gymnastics to handball, netball and hockey. 8

Inclusivity Building a supportive environment Hillview is a happy, purposeful environment where students can feel confident and secure. At the heart of our success is the care we offer our students. We are an inclusive school. KS4: The balance of support and challenge in preparing for the Every individual counts at Hillview, so it is important challenge of GCSEs. that everyone feels integral to the wider Hillview KS5: The growth into adulthood, independence, work ethic and community: a part of something big. Our four employability. communities; Austen, Franklin, Hepburn and Westwood We have developed a very successful peer mentoring system, form the basis of our key stage mentor groupings so that there is real trust between students and also between and also lend a competitive edge to the sporting and students and staff. We work in partnership with parents and rewards activities that we participate in throughout the encourage them to be involved with the school. year. Regular communications include parent consultation evenings, Each of these groups is led by a Leader of Community a weekly newsletter, reports, contact with your child’s mentor and meets weekly for assembly. Within our key stage and other information events. vertical mentoring system there is a sense of mutual Our active, friendly Parent Teacher Association holds regular respect and care. Our key stage vertical system meetings, which all parents are invited to join. supports: KS3: The development of the independent, successful and happy learner. 9

Innovatio Emotional Health and Well-being We support and champion students’ overall well-being and happiness through a whole school approach. This is embedded in all walks of school life, educating our young people to respect each other and themselves, to hold caring and supportive relationships, make the best choices and overcome any challenges they face. Our designated mental health lead, safeguarding and pastoral teams work closely to deliver bespoke support, meeting students one-to-one so they have someone to talk to, signposting and referring where needed. Within the curriculum and mentor time we teach students social and emotional understanding and promote resilience and self-efficacy. We empower students and give them a voice in school council meetings and through offering training to students to become anti-bullying ambassadors and student well- being ambassadors. We support all our staff with their own well-being, so they are able and equipped to be part of this supportive community. Community work We also have a long- Through learning standing communities, students are connection with the responsible for organising village of Kabubbu in a variety of fundraising Uganda and have raised initiatives throughout the funds for the Quicken year. These range from Trust charity to enable bring-and-buy sales to Hillview students and donations and enterprise staff to visit and support projects that involve the the cause several times local community. over recent years. “Thank you and your pupils for allowing us to watch our daughter thrive again, both inside and outside of the school gates.” Year 9 parent “We can honestly not have wished for anymore... within such a short space of time it’s like having a new child, well the child we know back again.” Year 9 parent 10

Innovation With specialist Performing and Visual Dance excites and challenges students as well Arts status, Hillview School for Girls is as enabling them to develop essential skills for a recognised leader in Performing and the workplace and beyond. Dance can awaken a Visual Arts provision and holds the zest for learning which often translates through prestigious Artsmark Platinum Award to many other subjects and strongly contributes from Arts Council England to mental and physical well-being. Our subject experts have a proven Drama allows students the freedom to explore track record of delivering imaginative, issues and themes in a safe environment, while engaging lessons, as well as producing harnessing performance skills which are a wide range of annual shows, transferable, assisting students with musicals, concerts and exhibitions, to presentations, speaking, listening, and social professional standards. interaction. Drama is the platform from which At Hillview, we actively look for students can raise their self-esteem and opportunities to engage with a range of confidence, while empathising with charactersʼ practitioners within the Performing and situations and predicaments. Visual Arts industry, offering students Music develops self-expression unique experiences and qualifications teamwork skills and a capacity to to expand their knowledge, confidence understand and express ideas and and passion. Our extensive range of feelings. It also enables students to extra-curricular activities and clubs, develop an awareness of other cultures supports working across the full age and traditions. The teaching of the key range in the school and develops areas of musicianship such as studentsʼ skills and nurtures their composing, performing, listening and talent. A focus on the Performing appraising supports the development and Visual Arts allows young people of the whole student. to become secure, thoughtful and compassionate and to adapt and thrive in any environment. 11

Igniting imagination and creativity through our Performing and Visual Arts specialism Fine Art enhances our visual and tactile engagement with the world. It enables students to develop both a personal creative dialogue and conceptual thinking through the senses; to experience, respond to, question and challenge our perceptions and ideas. Textile Design allows students to explore the disciplines of textiles for interiors, fashion and fine art in a multi-disciplinary way. Through the teaching, students will learn how to experiment by creating, selecting, manipulating and exploring with a wide range of textile media, materials, techniques and processes. Photography enables students to fully immerse themselves in the contemporary visual world. Through working with both dark room and digital technologies, students will be able to expand their creative strengths and explore the full potential of the medium to document ideas, generate visual narratives and express conceptual thinking. Graphic Communcation allows us to not only understand and engage conceptually in semiotics but it also enables students to participate in the production of signs, symbols through the disciplines of advertising, illustration, branding and information design. 12

Innovation Looking to the future Most of our students continue their ensure that the unique talents and behaviours we value, such as self- academic journey in Hillview Sixth abilities of each student are engaged. belief, resilience and care for others. Form, where we also welcome Our continuous investment in careers Sixth formers are an active part students from a range of local supports our students in choosing of our community, enthusiastically schools. Our sixth formers are the best next steps for them and engaging with school events and the supported by a consistency of our individualised approach sends wider world. approach and high expectations as students on to a wide range of future They lead events for younger students they stretch beyond the boundaries pathways including Russell Group and take seriously their role as senior of school, looking towards an exciting universities, apprenticeships and members of the school. future. industry placements. They are the bridge between the The Sixth Form curriculum has Our students value the school security and stability of school and breadth and depth, offering an experience they have had and the exciting opportunities of the world impressive range of academic and recognise their responsibility in beyond. vocational qualifications which modelling “I know their excellent results came as a direct result of the teaching, support and encouragement from Hillview.” Year 13 Parent 13

14

Hillview School for Girls Brionne Gardens Tonbridge Kent TN9 2HE SAT NAV Postcode: TN9 2DQ T: 01732352793 E: [email protected] @HillviewSchool @HillviewSchool @hillviewschoolforgirls